Cranberry and Pecan Stuffing

This stuffing offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory, with tangy dried cranberries and crunchy toasted pecans mixed into a classic bread stuffing base. It's the perfect addition for those who love incorporating fruit and nuts into holiday dishes.

Ingredients:

• Bread cubes
• Dried cranberries
• Toasted pecans
• Onions
• Celery
• Broth (chicken or vegetable)
• Fresh thyme
• Fresh sage
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Butter or oil for sautéing

Instructions:

1. Toast the Pecans: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pecans until fragrant, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pan, melt butter or heat oil. Add the chopped onions and celery, sautéing until they soften and turn golden (about 10 minutes). Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and sage.
3. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans.
4. Add Broth: Gradually add warm broth to the mixture until the bread cubes are moist but not soggy. Stir gently to combine.
5. Bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and cover with foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes. For a crispy top, remove the foil for the last 10 minutes.

Why it works: The tartness of the cranberries balances the richness of the pecans and the savory flavors of the herbs, making this a well-rounded, refreshing alternative to traditional stuffing.

Perfect for: Guests who love a sweet twist in their holiday dishes and enjoy the crunch of nuts combined with fruit.